Marines Say Thanks

Children at the Newcomb Academy were recently presented a flag that was flown over Fallujah by VMU-1 to say thanks for their support during their tour in Iraq. The unit was the original recipient of the “Newcomb Cares-Packages” first sent in September and October 2004.

Basha Paset, who has adopted more than a few Jews in Green, was the major force behind the care-package program (with some super help from her kids Sarah & Josh). The care package program wasn’t specifically aimed at Jewish service members, but when Basha sent some Hanukkah Stuff, marked “just in case”, it found its way to a Cpl Silverstein. See, we’re everywhere! I can’t begin to tell you how selfless this woman is and how much she has done to support our men and women in uniform. The following is an excerpt from her email describing the event:

One of the flag presenters was Corporal Preston Silverstein, a former student at Newcomb. However, he was not the original recipient of the care packages. The address I was given by Marines at Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, was for a Sgt Maj Patrick Prose who had worked in Los AL, was transferred to 29 Palms, and was currently deployed in Iraq.

When SgtMaj Prose mentioned that care-packages were coming from Newcomb Academy, Corporal Silverstein contacted his father, mentioning what a small world it was to be getting packages from his old school. His father visited the school the next day and spoke with the Principal. (I think one was proud, the other became upset…I guess you never out grow the “fear” of your dad talking to the Principal…)

So today Newcomb was thanked for their community service project. SgtMaj Prose and Cpl Silverstein presented the special flag. The children were thrilled and spent most of the time getting autographs from the Marines. A lot of kids are looking up “Semper Fi” in the dictionary tonight…

Below are some photos from the event and of some of the people that made it happen.